US officials in Kabul have given the Taliban a list of the names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies who need to be allowed to enter the militant-controlled outer perimeter of the city's airport, Politico reported. The move sparked immediate outrage from lawmakers and the military, fearing for the safety of those on the list.
The list, reported by three U.S. and Congress officials, was compiled to expedite the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from Afghanistan, which had plunged into chaos after the Taliban invaded the country.
Since the fall of Kabul in mid-August, nearly 100,000 people have been evacuated, most of whom were forced to pass through numerous Taliban checkpoints. However, the decision to give specific names to the Taliban, known for their habit of brutally killing Afghans who collaborated with the US and other coalition forces during the conflict, angered lawmakers and the military.
list, «said one Defense Ministry official, who, like others, agreed to discuss the delicate topic on condition of anonymity.
» It's just awful, it's shocking and makes you feel like there is blood on your hands. «/p>
When asked about POLITICO's coverage during a press conference on Thursday, President Joe Biden said he was not sure if such lists existed, but he also did not deny that the US sometimes passes names to the Taliban.
“There have been cases when our military contacted the military & lt; … & gt; from the Taliban and reported, for example, a bus traveling with so many passengers, including such and such people who need to be passed. & lt; … & gt; — he said — So yes, there were such cases. ”
“ I cannot say with certainty that there is actually a list of names, ”he added.
